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Greece moves toward zero tolerance on illegal gambling
Greece is preparing a sweeping crackdown on illegal gambling, adopting a zero-tolerance approach to the growing black market. The government no longer views unlicensed gambling as a minor issue. Authorities are considering harsher enforcement tools, including criminal penalties.
The initiative is led by Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis and targets online and land-based gambling. A formal decree is expected in the first half of 2026. Officials estimate the illegal market is worth €1.6 billion and costs the state over €500 million annually.
Proposed reforms would sharply increase penalties for illegal operators. Prison terms could reach ten years, with fines up to €100,000. Repeat offenders and large-scale operations would face even tougher sanctions.
The new framework would also expand enforcement against physical venues and repeat players. Authorities could immediately seal premises and revoke business licenses linked to illegal gambling. The measures aim to curb demand and protect younger users increasingly drawn to unregulated platforms.
Greece is preparing a sweeping crackdown on illegal gambling, adopting a zero-tolerance approach to the growing black market. The government no longer views unlicensed gambling as a minor issue. Authorities are considering harsher enforcement tools, including criminal penalties.
The initiative is led by Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis and targets online and land-based gambling. A formal decree is expected in the first half of 2026. Officials estimate the illegal market is worth €1.6 billion and costs the state over €500 million annually.
Proposed reforms would sharply increase penalties for illegal operators. Prison terms could reach ten years, with fines up to €100,000. Repeat offenders and large-scale operations would face even tougher sanctions.
The new framework would also expand enforcement against physical venues and repeat players. Authorities could immediately seal premises and revoke business licenses linked to illegal gambling. The measures aim to curb demand and protect younger users increasingly drawn to unregulated platforms.